The purpose of this study is to compare the blood pressure lowering efficacy of valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) compared to hydrochlorothiazide for the treatment of obese hypertensive (mean sitting systolic blood pressure [MSSBP] >150 mmHg) patients.

Number of Patients Achieving Blood Pressure (BP) Control by Visit (< 140/90 mm Hg) [ Time Frame: Weeks 4, 8, 12 16 and End of Study (for patients that did not complete the last visit at week 16) ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Number of Patients Achieving Blood Pressure (BP)Control by Visit (< 130/80 mm Hg) [ Time Frame: Week 4, 8, 12, 16, End of Study (for patients that did not complete the last visit at week 16) ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Moderate or severe high blood pressure defined as systolic blood pressure (the top number) greater than or equal to 150 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) less then 110 mmHg

Central (abdominal) obesity

Exclusion Criteria:

Systolic blood pressure (the top number) greater than or equal to 180 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) greater than or equal to 110 mmHg

Currently taking more then 3 medications to treat high blood pressure

Inability to stop all current blood pressure medications if any up to 4 weeks

History of Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes

History of stroke, mini-stroke (transient ischemic attack) or heart attack within the last 6 months

History of or current diagnosis of congestive heart failure

History of cancer within the past 5 years with the exception of localized basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma

Women who are pregnant or nursing

Alcohol or drug abuse within the last 2 years

Other protocol-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria may apply

Contacts and Locations

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study.
To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below.
For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00439738